Six months ago, Dearing officials were proud to announce a new kaolin-processing plant would be opening in their town. Now, Dearing Mayor Sean Kelley is inviting all Dearing residents to attend the ribbon-cutting and tours of Advanced Primary Minerals.

"I hope everyone comes out because we are so glad they are here, and we need to show our support for them," Mr. Kelley said.

Located on the Augusta Highway, the plant shares property with Eubank Lumber Co. The site is not a mine, but a processing plant for McDuffie County's kaolin, which is predominantly 50 percent clay and 50 percent sand. Not available anywhere else in Georgia, the kaolin will be used primarily to make ceramics for industrial sanitary ware, such as toilets and sinks.

The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce will hold the ribbon-cutting and "business after-hours" at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8. Advanced Primary Minerals is at 4800 Augusta Highway in Dearing.